Test: Class 8 Polity NCERT Based-2 (UPSC Level) - UPSC MCQ

Let's analyze each statement:

1. The role of the Public Prosecutor does not begin with the filing of the FIR. It begins after the police have conducted the investigation and filed the charge sheet in the court. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

2. According to the guidelines, a boy under 15 years of age and women cannot be called to the police station only for questioning. This statement is correct as it reflects the protective measures provided under the legal system to protect vulnerable individuals.

3. The Indian Constitution mandates that every person arrested must be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest. This is a fundamental right aimed at preventing unlawful detention. Therefore, statement 3 is correct.

Based on the above analysis, only statements 2 and 3 are correct. Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 2 and 3 Only.

The Environment Protection Act of 1986 was a response to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which occurred in 1984 and was one of the world's worst industrial disasters. The tragedy was caused by a gas leak at a pesticide plant in Bhopal, resulting in numerous fatalities and long-term health issues for survivors. The Act aimed to authorize the government to safeguard and enhance environmental quality, control pollution from various sources, and regulate industrial activities on environmental grounds. This legislation was a crucial step towards preventing similar environmental disasters and ensuring the protection of citizens' health and well-being.

1. Adivasi - Original inhabitants associated with forests: Correct. The term "Adivasi" literally translates to "original inhabitants," and they have historically been connected with forests. Adivasis are also known as Scheduled Tribes in India, forming about 8% of the population.

2. Muslims - 14.23% of India's population according to 2011 census: Correct. According to the 2011 Census of India, Muslims constituted approximately 14.23% of the country's population, marking them as one of the largest minority communities.

3. Minorities - Numerically small communities in relation to the majority: Correct. In the Indian context, minorities are defined as communities that are numerically smaller compared to the rest of the population. The Constitution of India provides safeguards to protect these minority communities.

4. Ghettoization - Process involving the military presence in an area: Incorrect. Ghettoization refers to the process where a particular area or locality becomes predominantly populated by members of a specific community, often leading to social and economic isolation. It is not related to military presence, which is more aligned with terms like "militarized."

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are accurate in relation to the environmental laws introduced in India post the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Statement-I correctly highlights the introduction of new environmental laws, while Statement-II further explains the significant impact of the Bhopal disaster, leading to the accountability of polluters for environmental damage. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy acted as a catalyst for the formulation of stringent laws to address environmental concerns and hold responsible parties liable for detrimental effects on the environment. Thus, Statement-II elaborates on the context provided in Statement-I, making option (a) the correct choice.

According to the information provided, the primary responsibility of the government regarding public facilities is to ensure universal access to these facilities. This means that everyone should have physical access to these basic necessities like water, healthcare, education, and more. This responsibility is crucial in upholding the right to life for all individuals within the country.

The government's reservation policy in India aims to provide opportunities for specific marginalized groups like Dalits and Adivasis. This policy is designed to address historical inequalities and provide these communities with access to education and government employment opportunities. It is a significant effort to promote social justice and end inequity in the system by ensuring representation and opportunities for those who have been historically disadvantaged.

Statement-I correctly highlights the government's role in providing public facilities due to the unaffordability of such services from private companies. It emphasizes the importance of these facilities for the well-being of society. Statement-II effectively explains the context by shedding light on the constitutional recognition of the Right to Water as an essential component of the Right to Life. It further clarifies the gap between this constitutional provision and the actual availability of safe drinking water to all citizens, emphasizing the discrepancy between theory and practice. Hence, both statements are accurate, and Statement-II logically elaborates on the premise established in Statement-I.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Constitution of India provides Fundamental Rights which are meant to be available equally to all citizens, including marginalized groups such as Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, and women. These rights are critical in challenging inequalities and discrimination in society.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, was specifically enacted to protect Dalits and Adivasis from atrocities and discrimination perpetrated by more powerful communities. This Act is pivotal in safeguarding the rights of these marginalized communities.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Reservation policies in India are not implemented solely based on economic criteria. Instead, they are designed to address historical injustices and social disadvantages faced by certain communities, particularly Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), among others. These policies aim to provide opportunities in education and employment to groups that have been systematically marginalized over centuries.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

- Statement 1 is correct. Adivasis are recognized as the original inhabitants and constitute about 8% of India's population. They have traditionally lived in close association with forests, relying on them for their livelihood. This connection has been significantly affected by deforestation and economic changes, leading to their marginalization.

- Statement 2 is correct. According to the 2011 census, Muslims make up about 14.23% of India's population. They are recognized as a minority community and face socio-economic challenges, including limited access to education and basic amenities, leading to their marginalization.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The Constitution of India indeed provides specific safeguards to protect minority communities, ensuring their rights and welfare are safeguarded. This includes provisions like the right to conserve their language, script, or culture, and the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 2. Hence, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

The primary responsibility of the Public Prosecutor in the criminal justice system is to represent the interests of the State in court. This includes presenting the case against the accused, conducting the prosecution impartially, and ensuring that all relevant facts, witnesses, and evidence are brought before the court. The Public Prosecutor plays a crucial role in seeking justice on behalf of the State and upholding the rule of law.

Statement-I is accurate as the Constitution does indeed provide Fundamental Rights to all Indians, including marginalised groups, to ensure equality and protection of rights. Statement-II complements Statement-I by highlighting how marginalised groups challenge existing inequalities and advocate for the enforcement of laws to protect their rights. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically explains the essence of Statement-I in the context of confronting marginalisation.

Statement-I correctly mentions that the role of the Public Prosecutor commences after the police have submitted the charge sheet in court. This aligns with the standard procedure in the criminal justice system.
Statement-II accurately describes the function of the defence lawyer, who indeed represents the accused and presents evidence and witnesses in support of the client. However, it does not directly explain the sequence or relationship mentioned in Statement-I but provides additional information about the role of the defence lawyer in the legal process. Therefore, both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not elaborate on or explain Statement-I.

Marginalisation is a concept that involves the deprivation of certain privileges or the treatment of individuals or groups as different from others. It encompasses various aspects of life, including economic, social, cultural, and political factors, working together to make certain groups in society feel marginalized. This term is crucial in understanding how certain communities face exclusion and challenges due to various factors impacting their status and opportunities within society.

1. SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 - This Act is designed to prevent atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, not specifically to protect cultural rights of Adivasis, although it does help safeguard various rights. This pair is incorrectly matched.

2. Reservation Policy - This policy provides reservations in educational institutions and government jobs for Dalits and Adivasis. This pair is correctly matched.

3. Constitutional Abolition of Untouchability - This ensures that Dalits are not discriminated against and have access to public places, including temples and schools. This pair is correctly matched.

4. Caste Certificates - These are indeed required to avail benefits under the reservation policy, serving as proof of belonging to a specific caste or tribe. This pair is correctly matched.

Hence, three pairs are correctly matched.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Right against Exploitation is a fundamental right enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It explicitly prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years in factories, mines, or any other hazardous work. This provision is critical for protecting children from exploitation in dangerous and unhealthy working conditions.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which occurred in 1984, highlighted the severe shortcomings in industrial safety standards and environmental protection laws in India. In response, the Environment Protection Act was enacted in 1986. This act grants the central government the authority to regulate and restrict industrial operations on environmental grounds, thus addressing gaps in previous legislation and enhancing the regulatory framework for environmental protection.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. While the Minimum Wages Law in India is indeed intended to ensure fair compensation for workers and prevent underpayment, it does not specifically mandate an annual update of wages. Instead, the law requires that minimum wages be reviewed and revised periodically, taking into account factors such as inflation and changes in the cost of living, but this does not imply a strict annual update.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the correct choice.